The Vick-capades leave town...finally

The official statement released by the Atlanta Falcons: "Michael [Vick] is going to a first-class organization and will receive tremendous support from Eagles Chairman/CEO Jeffrey Lurie, Team President Joe Banner, Head Coach Andy Reid and Quarterback Donovan McNabb. Michael has been given a good opportunity to restart his career in the NFL, and we wish him well." Vick inked a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles last night amounting to a 1-year deal worth $1.6 million and an option for a second year at $5.2 million. Additionally, there is another $3 million in performance-related bonuses. Under his debt-repayment settlement, Vick will be allowed to keep $750k of his income each season he plays until his debt is paid off or resettled. Some advice for the Eagles: Dump the west-coast offense if Vick becomes a starter. His arm is much better suited for deep routes than short outs. The single biggest criticism of Vick's play in Atlanta was his touch, or lack thereof. Make sure the call center is fully staffed. Otherwise, you will have to replace all of the soon-to-be (and, I'm sure, currently) overworked staff handling all of the irate phone calls from "life-long fans" of the team who couldn't tell a football from a hockey puck. Likewise, make sure you have a "pooper-scooper squad" at the ready for all home games, as these same "life-long fans" will be bringing their dogs in force to the protests that will surround the stadium. I'll be the first to admit I'm no fan of the Eagles, and I am a staunch animal lover, but I have no love for the PETA nut-jobs that will be surrounding, and exacerbating, the circus that Michael Vick's career has become. (Note the specification of PETA, and the non-mention of the Humane Society, which is a good, honorable society that does a lot of good for animals and pet-lovers alike) I do wish Vick the best, but not come week 13, when the Eagles will be visiting my Falcons.And, now, I happily pass along the responsibility of keeping up with Michael Vick to whomever in the Eagles or NFC-North blogging network.